U.S. Air Force’s ‘Father of Lasers’
Retired Maj. Gen. Donald L. Lamberson began his distinguished 35-year U.S. Air Force career as a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student at Purdue, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1953. Recognized for his expertise in directed energy physics, Lamberson was known as the "Father of Lasers" in the Air Force. During the 1970s and 1980s, Lamberson played a central role in advancing laser technology while heading the Air Force's Weapons Laboratory. Under his leadership, the laboratory developed the first high-powered laser capable of precision targeting from an aircraft. Lamberson retired from the Air Force in 1989. Throughout his service, he received many accolades, including a Distinguished Service Medal, a Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit, and an Air Force Commendation Medal. Purdue recognized Lamberson with a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2002.